Washington, D.C. (June 18, 2026)– On May 21-22, 28 Fellows of the Edmund S. Muskie Professional Fellowship Program gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Muskie Orientation. Representing countries across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, Fellows participated in two days of programming designed to prepare them for their summer internships, deepen their understanding of U.S. workplace culture, and strengthen connections across the cohort.

During the orientation event, Fellows explored U.S. workplace culture, intercultural communication, and professional goal setting through interactive sessions and table discussions. These sessions helped Fellows reflect on how to navigate new professional environments, build confidence in cross-cultural workplace settings, and prepare for meaningful summer internship experiences across the United States.

The program featured guest speakers and partner organizations focused on professional growth and volunteerism. United Way and Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia introduced Fellows to meaningful ways they can engage with local communities and contribute through service. Fellows heard from 2024 Muskie alumna Mariam Malidze, who shared reflections from her own Muskie journey and offered a practical perspective as the cohort prepares for the summer ahead.

Fellows also met with representatives from the U.S. Department of State to discuss their experiences in the U.S. so far, reflect on their academic and professional journeys, and share what they hope to gain from their summer internships. As part of the Washington, D.C. experience, Fellows visited the Library of Congress, adding a cultural and historical component to the Orientation. 

The event concluded with an evening reception that brought together Muskie Fellows, Cultural Vistas staff, U.S. Department of State representatives, Institute of International Education partners, and Muskie alumni. Jennifer Clinton, President & CEO of Cultural Vistas, provided remarks celebrating the start of the Fellows’ summer internship experience.

This year’s Fellows will complete summer internships across 15 states and Washington, D.C., gaining experience at a range of organizations, including The World Bank, the Law Library of Congress, Harvard University, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the New York State Supreme Court. Through these placements, Fellows contribute their academic expertise, language skills, regional knowledge, and global perspectives to U.S. host organizations while gaining hands-on experience that supports their long-term professional growth.

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About the Edmund S. Muskie Professional Fellowship Program

The Edmund S. Muskie Professional Fellowship Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Cultural Vistas since 2015, provides Fulbright Program emerging leaders from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia the opportunity to gain real-world experience that complements and enriches their graduate studies in the U.S.

Since 1992, the U.S. Department of State has provided thousands of graduate school fellowships for students from across Eurasia to build democracies, strengthen the transition to market economies, and establish strong civil societies. Building on that foundation, Cultural Vistas has provided hands-on, professional skill-building opportunities across the United States for more than 500 graduate students through the Muskie Professional Fellowship Program, while also connecting hundreds of U.S. host organizations with talented international graduate students who bring specialized expertise and global networks to American workplaces.